The
new federal antiterrorism law that was signed by President Bush on October 26
contained a number of provisions that are deeply troubling to civil
libertarians. One of them makes it easier for the FBI to search a bookstore's
business records, including the titles of the books purchased by customers.

ABFFE
is deeply concerned by the potential chilling effect of court orders issued to
booksellers under this new law. Normally, when a bookseller receives a subpoena
for customer information, he or she has the opportunity to ask the court to
quash the order on First Amendment grounds. In several cases, booksellers have
successfully resisted subpoenas. Under the new amendments to the Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), however, booksellers may not have this
chance. Depending on the wording of the order, the bookseller may be required
to immediately turn over the records that are being sought.

ABFFE
has sent a letter to all members of the American Booksellers Association
advising them of what to do if they receive a court order under FISA. To see the ABFFE letter, click here.